NafisaRangers have built serious momentum in recent weeks, and Derek McInnes will be desperate to ensure nothing disrupts the club’s push to keep their winning run alive.
With another Premiership test approaching, the Ibrox side have received encouraging news on one defensive option — but there is also a fresh injury concern that could force a change to the manager’s plans.
The Light Blues travel to Dens Park on Saturday night aiming to extend their winning streak to eight matches. Confidence should be high following their recent results, although a demanding schedule means McInnes will need as many fit and available players as possible.
The latest team news has brought a mixture of relief and frustration for the Rangers boss. One versatile defender is back in contention after overcoming fitness concerns, while another is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines.
Ross McCrorie has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss around three weeks, leaving Rangers without another defensive option as they prepare for a crucial spell of domestic football.
However, there is more positive news regarding Dujon Sterling, whose return could prove particularly useful as the fixture list begins to intensify.
Sterling trained throughout the week after recovering from a minor hamstring problem picked up during the international break. The defender had also been forced off at half-time during Rangers’ 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock last weekend after being affected by illness.
The versatile defender has now recovered and is available for selection against Dundee, giving McInnes the option of bringing him straight back into the starting XI or managing his return depending on how he has responded to training.
Sterling’s availability is a welcome development, particularly with McCrorie now facing a spell out of action. His ability to operate in different defensive positions offers the manager additional flexibility at a time when maintaining squad depth could become increasingly important.
There is, however, another issue that Rangers have been monitoring behind the scenes.
A sickness bug has affected several players during the week, raising the possibility that McInnes could face late decisions over his team selection. Despite those concerns, the manager is not expecting the illness to have a significant impact on his plans for the trip to Dundee.
That will come as a relief as Rangers attempt to carry their impressive run into another important league fixture.
The Ibrox side continued their strong form against Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock before the international break, securing a 3-1 victory that kept their winning momentum intact.
Ryan Naderi was the standout attacking figure, scoring twice, while Kevin Kelsy also got on the scoresheet. The result provided another encouraging performance for McInnes and left Rangers looking to extend their run when they return to action.
Saturday’s encounter at Dens Park is the first of several demanding assignments coming up for the Glasgow club. After facing Dundee, Rangers will return to Ibrox to take on St Johnstone before travelling to Tynecastle for a midweek meeting with Hearts.
The schedule then brings a major cup test, with Rangers set to face Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final before the November international break temporarily pauses domestic action.
That sequence of fixtures places added importance on managing the squad carefully. Even a relatively short absence can become significant when matches arrive in quick succession, making Sterling’s return particularly timely.
McCrorie’s expected three-week lay-off will nevertheless be an unwanted complication. Rangers must now navigate the immediate fixtures without him and hope the defender can recover within the anticipated timeframe.
Cammy Devlin also remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury of his own. The Australian midfielder has avoided surgery, offering some encouragement over his recovery, but he is expected to be out for around two months.
His absence leaves Rangers without another option for the coming weeks, although the broader picture remains relatively positive for McInnes after the international window.
With Sterling available again and no expectation that the sickness bug will significantly disrupt selection, Rangers can approach the Dundee fixture with some confidence. The challenge now is to turn that encouraging team news into another result and keep their winning streak moving towards eight consecutive victories.
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